Wednesday night’s matchup against Inter Miami CF earned Atlanta United another point on the season as they drew 0-0. The 5-Stripes will be back on the pitch this Saturday at 8pm ET to face rivals Orlando City SC.
Leading up to Saturday’s match, we have broken down the Tools to the Match, presented by The Home Depot:
Strong Defensive Showing
In Wednesday’s draw, Brad Guzan recorded his second clean sheet in three matches to preserve the draw. Miles Robinson led the team with 88.3% passing accuracy to earn him Man of the Match honors.
“We knew we needed to have a response and show some grit, fight and determination,” Guzan stated in his post-match interview. “It wasn’t the worst performance, but it certainly could have been better.”
Following the match, Atlanta has two days to rest up and focus on the next challenge – building off of their clean sheet against Miami. If Guzan and the rest of the defense can keep Orlando off the board, the attack should be able to avenge last week’s loss.
Rely on Depth
On Wednesday, Ezequiel Barco made his first start since the MLS is Back Tournament, and Cubo Torres made the starting XI for the first time. Midfielder Emerson Hyndman also returned after missing the previous match versus Orlando while homegrown Tyler Wolff made his club debut in the 62nd minute. The 5-Stripes will need to rely on their depth, consisting of a combination of new and familiar faces, to bring three points back to Atlanta.
Apply Pressure
Atlanta owned possession against Miami, finishing the match with 60%. Despite this control, the 5-Stripes were unable to convert Wednesday and look to change that during Saturday’s match.
“We were the ones pushing the envelope, in terms of going forward and keeping the ball in their half in the first half. We were the aggressor, if you’d like, in that aspect as well,” Interim Head Coach Stephen Glass explained in his post-match interview. “The speed of the ball in the final third and the control and the risk-taking element, we were taking risks we probably didn’t have to take in the final third when we could have shifted it maybe another pass before cutting them open. I can understand people saying the lack of aggression, but there is a fine balance.”
On Saturday, Atlanta hopes to find that balance, keep the pressure on Orlando’s defense and convert their chances to bring home another W.
Watch Atlanta United take on Orlando City SC at 8pm ET on Saturday, September 5th on Fox.
